LAKE LOUISE, AB, Nov. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), today announced the Government of Canada's contribution to Alpine Canada Alpin in support of the 2012 Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup.

"The Government of Canada is pleased to support this annual international competition that kicks off the World Cup season," said Minister of State Gosal. "Our Canadian team members are primed for success with their sights set on the Sochi Olympic Games in 2014. I wish them much success as they pursue their dreams and strive for excellence."

"Hosting events like the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup brings international attention and travellers to this iconic region of Canada," said Minister of State Bernier. "Once again the organizers, volunteers, and community of Lake Louise will welcome the world as they cheer on our athletes."

Each November, the Winterstart Festival in Banff and Lake Louise kicks off with the Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup alpine ski races. The fastest skiers from around the world compete over two consecutive weekends of men's and women's ski racing. The skiing runs on November 24 and 25 for the men and from November 30 to December 2 for the women.

Alpine Canada Alpin (ACA), the governing body for alpine ski racing in Canada, represents more than 50,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteer members and over 200,000 supporting members. ACA manages the high-performance programs for the athletes of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team who represent Canada throughout the world.

The Government of Canada is the single largest contributor to sport in Canada and supports participation and excellence from playground to podium. A contribution of $250,000 was provided to Alpine Canada Alpin for the 2012 Lake Louise Winterstart World Cup through Sport Canada's Hosting Program. The Government of Canada also committed $3,797,400 to Alpine Canada Alpin in 2012-2013 through the Sport Support Program.